Since getting rid of Nigel Pearson and bringing Steve McClaren back to the iPro Stadium, Derby County have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in their Championship fortunes.

Pearson's Derby were struggling just above the relegation zone despite lots of pre-season hype surrounding his appointment and the Rams' promotion prospects.

McClaren has reinstalled some form into this Derby side though and got the best out of the likes of Bradley Johnson, Darren Bent, Tom Ince and Scott Carson to turn the tide.

They now approach this weekend's match against rivals Nottingham Forest with a renewed sense of optimism after five consecutive wins have propelled them to within touching distance of the play-offs.

Nevertheless, McClaren will undoubtedly be keen to do a bit of January business so that he can put his own personal stamp on this squad yet again.

Here is one player they need to bring in and two they need to ship out this January.

OUT - Lee Grant

Lee Grant is currently out on loan at Premier League Stoke City, where he has impressed so far during Butland's injury absence.

With the deal expected to expire in January, the Derby goalkeeper could be offloaded permanently for a reasonable fee.

The 33-year-old is behind Scott Carson at Derby anyway and the Rams have Jonathan Mitchell and Chris Weale to deputise for Carson.

OUT - Chris Martin

Chris Martin is another Derby player who is out on loan until January.

Fulham have taken a liking to Martin and would like to sign him on a permanent deal in the upcoming window.

With a possible £9m fee being touted, this seems a no-brainer for McClaren as the Scotsman is surplus to requirements in the East Midlands anyway.

IN - Jordan Rhodes

Using the money generated from the potential sale of Chris Martin, Steve McClaren should look to bring in a top quality striker.

Jordan Rhodes could be his man after the Scotland international has fallen out of favour at Premier League Middlesbrough.

Rhodes has proven his ability to score goals at Championship level and he would almost guarantee a play-off spot with his clinical finishing.